How to permanently disable calls from unknown numbers on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Calls from unknown numbers have become a scourge of modern smartphones. Spam call centers, scammers and intrusive sellers attack subscribers several times a day, distracting from important matters. Owners of Xiaomi devices (including the Redmi and POCO lines) have several tools in their arsenal to combat this problem, both built into MIUI and third-party. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of blocking unwanted calls, including hidden settings and nuances for different versions of the firmware.

It is important to understand that there is no universal solution: the effectiveness of each method depends on the version of MIUI, the phone model and even the region (in some countries operators themselves filter spam).We have tested all methods on devices from Xiaomi 11T Pro to Redmi Note 12 with MIUI firmware 13-14, so the instructions are relevant for most modern gadgets of the brand. If you are tired of constant “vibrations of the unknown”, read on and choose the appropriate option.

1. Built-in locking of unknown numbers in MIUI

The easiest way to weed out spam is to use standard MIUI tools, which started in MIUI 10, but has been upgraded to a lot of newer versions, and this is how to activate it:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the section "Number Lock" (or "Spam and Lock" in MIUI 14).
4. Activate the switch to Lock Unknown Numbers.
5. You can also enable spam filtering (using Xiaomi’s database).

This method blocks all incoming numbers not stored in your phone book, and remember that once activated, you won't receive notifications of missed calls from unknown subscribers, they won't show up in the log, and if you want to see the history of all calls (for example, for work), this method may be inconvenient.

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MIUI 14 has a Smart Lock feature that analyzes the behavior of a caller, and if a number tries to reach you several times in a row, the system automatically sends you to spam.

2. Blacklist: How to add numbers manually

If you get a specific number (such as an intrusive collector or a scam), you can block it individually through a blacklist, which works even on older versions of MIUI and does not require an Internet connection.

Instructions for adding numbers:

• 📱 Open the Call Log and find the number you need.
• 🔍 Press the number. → Choose Block (or Add to the Blacklist).
• 📝 You can manually add the number through the phone settings → Number locking → Add it manually.
• 🔄 To unlock the number, go back to the same section and swipe the entry to the left.

In MIUI 14, the blacklist syncs with your Xiaomi account, so the lock will be valid on all your brand devices. Note: you can add up to 500 numbers to the blacklist, after which the system will automatically delete old entries.

3.Use of the service "Security" from Xiaomi

The Security (Shield Icon) app in MIUI offers advanced spam protection tools, which not only blocks calls, but also filters SMS, and checks installed applications for malicious code. Here's how to configure protection against unknown calls:

1. Open the Security app.
2. Go to the Blocking (or Antispam) tab.
3. Turn on the options: 🛡️ Blocking of unknown numbers 📞 Filtering spam calls 🔍 Checking numbers in the cloud (requires the Internet)

Locking settings

The advantage of this method is integration with Xiaomi’s cloud database, which is updated daily, and it recognizes not only obvious spam, but also “gray” numbers (such as fake banking services), but it requires a constant Internet connection to work.

4. Third-party applications to block spam

If you don't like the built-in MIUI tools, you can use third-party apps that offer more flexible settings, such as:

• 🔄 Truecaller – determines numbers even without the Internet (there is an offline database), blocks SMS-spam.
• 🛡️ Kaspersky Who Calls – checks numbers through the database of Kaspersky Lab, there is protection against phishing.
• 📵 Hiya – specializes in blocking robbrae and fraudulent schemes.
• 🔍 GetContact – Shows the names of unknown numbers (based on feedback from other users).

Each app has its pros and cons. For example, Truecaller requires registration and can send notifications about “popular numbers”, and Hiya sometimes mistakenly blocks legitimate calls. Before installing, check reviews on Google Play - some apps may conflict with MIUI.

Compatibility with MIUI 13/14|User reviews (ranking higher) 4.0)|Availability of the Russian language|Permits (no access to the SMS reasonlessly)-->

Important: Once you install third-party anti-spam, disable the built-in lock in MIUI to avoid conflict. Two simultaneous filters can miss important calls.

5. Communications operator settings

Many Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) offer their own spam filtering services, they work at the network level, so they block calls before they even reach your phone.

Operator services have several advantages:

• 🔄 It works even if the phone is turned off or in airplane mode.
• 📡 Do not load the processor of the smartphone (filtration is on the operator’s side).
• 🛡️ Often include protection from SMS-fraud.

However, there are drawbacks: carrier databases are updated more slowly than Truecaller, and sometimes legitimate numbers (such as delivery services) are blocked. Before connecting, check your operator's support reviews - some subscribers complain about the difficulty of turning off the filter.

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The combination of built-in MIUI locking and operator services provides maximum protection, but can lead to false positives.

Radical methods: Do not disturb mode and redirection

If you are flooded with calls (e.g. during an important meeting or at night), you can use Do Not Disturb (DND) mode, which is flexible in MIUI:

1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
2. Select a Schedule (for example, from 23:00 to 8:00).
3. In the Exclusions section, allow calls only from Contacts or Favorites.
4. Activate the option to Block visual alerts so that the screen does not light up.

For emergencies, you can set up a call forwarding to another number (for example, a work phone or a secretary).

1. Open the phone → Settings → Call forwarding.
2. Select a condition (for example, if the number is unknown).
3. Please provide a number for forwarding.

⚠️ Note: Redirects may be charged by some operators.Clarify rates before activation to avoid unexpected write-offs.

7 Problems and Solutions: Why the Lockdown Doesn't Work

Sometimes, even after all the settings, spam calls keep coming in, and here are the reasons and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods work, check:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (new firmware improved protection against spoofing).
• 📡 Make sure the Security app has internet access.
• 🔍 Check if your number has been added to the spammer databases (you can use the service nomoreRobot.ru).

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters often use spoofing when the call is allegedly from a bank or government agency. Never give personal information over the phone, even if the number seems familiar. MIUI 14 has a function of warning about such calls - turn it on to Security → Antispam → Warning of suspicious numbers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking calls on Xiaomi